Course detail

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UCAS Code

Why study Abertay's BSc (Hons) in Sport and Management?

Keen to uncover what makes sport tick? Interested in the principles of management? Ready to explore the relationship between the two? This degree gives you the best of both worlds, making you a highly desirable candidate for high-level sports clubs seeking business-savvy graduates.

This degree prepares you for a management career in sports, equipping you with the skills required to manage sporting facilities, including financial, human resource, sporting expertise, marketing and service operations.

It’s designed to give you an understanding of the management, social and practical skills required in the burgeoning sports industry, with a focus on social policy, ethics and the philosophy of sport, as well as the context of business and management of services, people, and the sporting environment.

Work placements are a key feature of this programme, and employability is embedded throughout the programme. Some of our students have previously undertaken work placements within national governing bodies and with Dundee Stars, the city’s Elite Ice Hockey League team.

Practical activities and work placements will enable you to contextualise theory to real-life applications, and work towards NGB or industry qualifications.

Open Days 2019

A day full of talks and tours, questions and answers, courses and accommodation.

Open Days are busy, fun and full-on. You’ll definitely want to go to a course talk, tour the facilities for the subject(s) you’re keen on, speak to tutors and students, and check out the accommodation.

We'd love to tell you all about Abertay, and show you why we're the right university for you.

Entry Requirements

Please note: All applicants must have passes in English and Maths - National 5 grade C or GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent. National 5 ESOL is accepted in lieu of National 5 English. National 5 Lifeskill Maths is not accepted in lieu of Maths.

Not sure if you're eligible for entry?

If you have the potential and motivation to study at university, regardless of your background or personal circumstances, we welcome your application.

We understand some people have faced extra challenges before applying to university, which is why we consider the background in which your academic grades have been achieved when making an offer.

If you expect to receive passes in three Scottish Highers (grades A-C) and have either ...

been in care

participated in a targeted aspiration-raising programme such as LIFT OFF, LEAPS, FOCUS West, or Aspire North

no family background of going to university

attended a school or lived in an area where not many people go to university

... we encourage you to submit an application.

Your Journey Starts Here

You’ll be expected to critically evaluate information, challenging ideas and concepts using scientifically-based information. You’ll also be encouraged to show initiative, research and construct your own knowledge, arming you with the skills to effect change in a working environment.

Information for International Applicants

Please provide certified proof of your English language level. Our accredited International English Foundation Course can help. To further enhance your academic English, Intensive English for Academic Purposes can help you achieve your potential.

Entry Requirements by Country

Discover whether you're eligible for entry and learn more about the country-specific qualifications you need to study at Abertay.

English Language Courses

Visa Information

About Your Modules

The module information shown here describes the modules our students are taking this year. The modules do change over time to keep our programmes up-to-date and relevant. This means the exact modules you take could be different. If you receive an offer to study with us, you will receive a Programme Information document that sets out exactly which modules you can expect to take as part of your Abertay University degree programme.

Please note:As well as Key Modules outlined below, you may also be required to choose Elective Modules.

Key Modules (2018/19)

Social Science for Sport & Exercise (SPS101)

An introduction to social issues in sport and exercise contexts. Module Content: 1. Recognising and defining the disciplines within social science Students will explore the major disciplines within social science in the context of sport and exercise (e.g., sociology of sport, sport development, sport history) 2. Discrimination in sport Students will explore sources of discrimination in sport and exercise contexts (e.g., gender, class, ethnicity, LGBTI). 3. Sport Political Ideology Students will learn how political systems impact upon and use sport. 4. Ethics and sport Students will learn about moral and ethical issues in sport and exercise. This contexts provide a unique environment for moral and ethical issues. 5. Qualitative methodologies Students will be introduced to qualitative research and how this type of research has developed our understanding of sport and exercise.

Professional Practice Portfolio - BMT104 (BMT104)

Introduction to aspects of professional practice and standards of communication that provides an understanding of different business communication styles, how and when to use them and how to create a compelling narrative. Module Content: 1. Planning - Identifying the objective of the communication; audience and medium; different styles for different media; making your writing engaging. 2. Working with clients in a professional context - Professional practice expectations of working within a business environment. Introducing yourself, presenting information orally, running meetings, concluding and following up meetings. 3. Writing - The importance of aesthetic; punctuation; grammar and usage; structure; creating a logical narrative; use of evidence to support assertions. Considering the differences between writing styles e.g. for academic purpose (lit review) or more sales purpose (marketing poster). 4. Including diagrammatic and pictorial elements - Data visualisation; data dashboards and data maps; creating infographics. 5. Reviewing - Proofing, pruning and polishing; reviewing the work of others; acting on feedback.

Fundamentals of Coaching (SPS105)

The overall purpose of this module is to develop students’ understanding of the major practical and theoretical principles that underpin leadership roles in physical activity and sport. This will be achieved by explicitly addressing students’ knowledge of the variety of roles that are undertaken by leaders in physical activity and sport and the skills needed to work across a wide variety of physical activity contexts. Students will have the opportunity to engage in both theoretical underpinnings of practice and in practical settings to develop their own leadership skills. Module Content: 1. Role - Students will discuss the concept of leadership in sport and physical activity, and how we define these roles. They will look at the various contexts in which they operate and consider the issues of role ambiguity and role conflict. 2. Approach - Students will be asked to consider the how the attitude held by an individual acts as the guiding principle for the training and development of their participants. Students will identify their own leadership philosophy/style and the strengths/weaknesses of this. 3. Planning trainings sessions - Students will learn the key stages in the planning of a sport/exercise sessions. They will focus on the importance of systematic, integrated and serial sessions and the underpinning need to consider the context and participants 4. Practical instruction - Students will be expected to engage in leading sessions as both a coach/instructor and as a particpant. They will be work in a range of contexts and attempt to overcome different limitations within these contexts. 5. Evaluation - Students will need to identify the success/failure of training sessions, the ongoing implications of this, and the limitations of the evaluation process itself.

Managing People and Ideas (BMT103)

Introduction to the management of people and ideas and how different theories and practices can be used to enhance individual and organisational performance. Module content: 1. Management in Context - Organisations as social and economic entities; The influence of social and economic factors on individual and organisational performance; The impact of material and time scarcity on performance. 2. People Management - Selection; Motivation; Employees development; Teamwork; Stress; Workplace diversity and equal opportunity; Unconscious bias; Ethical leadership. 3. Ideas management - Creating climate for creativity and innovation; Knowledge sharing networks; Knowledge management. 4. Using research in managerial practice - Employee opinion survey; Research design; Use of research findings in managerial decision making.

Placement and Skill Development when Working with Children in a Physical Activity Context (SPS207)

This module will give students the opportunity to lead, develop and/or support the delivery of physical activity sessions to school pupils in Dundee. Students will also have an opportunity to engage with a range of employers from the Sport and Fitness industry to gain insight into the requirements of particular roles. These experiences should enable the student to develop a career plan for future employment. Module Content: 1. Planning and delivering activity sessions - Session planning; managing time/resources/people; working within a team; Active Schools/Positive Coaching Scotland training; managing challenging behaviour; developing diversity competence; Growth Mindset; contemporary issues in the sport and fitness industry. 2. Personal Development Planning (PDP) - Completing SWOT analyses; personal objective/goal setting; action planning; electronic PDPs. 3. Reflective practice - Application of models of reflective practice; guided reflection to highlight learning; making theory− practice links; career planning. 4. Articulating skill development - Using electronic platforms and oral media to promote knowledge and skills to external audiences in the context of employability; careers/external speaker workshops.

Psychology for Sport and Exercise (SPS201)

The core concepts of sport and exercise psychology and how these apply to real world environments. Module content: 1. Identifying psychological issues in sport and exercise - Students will look at how identify and discuss variety of psychological issues in sport. They will need to consider what these are and how they can be grouped (e.g., positive/negative experiences, mental skills etc). 2. Fundamentals of sport and exercise psychology - Students will explore the core concepts of sport and exercise psychology. Examining the interaction of affect, behaviour and cognition and identifying how they manifest in sport and exercise contexts. 3. Individual factors - Students will learn about key individual factors that influence how individuals act and react. This will include topics such as personality, motivation, anxiety and attention. 4. Group processes - Students will learn about key group factors that influence how individuals act and react. This will include topics such as communication, social climate and group dynamics. 5. An introduction to psychological skills - Students will be introduced to core psychological skills training and learn how they are applied and their limitations.

Researching Business (BMT203)

Introduction to research methods for real world research. Provides students with an understanding of the principles of research methodology, the methods and processes for conducting research in business, and the skills to undertake an independent investigation. Module content: 1. Introduction to Research - Explaining the nature and purpose of research; Classifying the different types of research (quantitative qualitative, mixed methods) and how they map within the different philosophical paradigms (positivism, interpretivism, pragmatism). 2. Dealing with Practical Issues - Identifying the main stages in the research process; Identifying/generating a research topic and setting research objectives; Developing a research strategy; Identifying ethical issues in conducting research. 3. Searching and Reviewing the Literature - Explaining the purposes of a literature review and defining the main steps in conducting it; Searching, evaluating, organizing and synthesizing relevant literature. 4. Data Collection and Analysis - Approaches to qualitative and quantitative data collection; Data collection using a mixed-methods design. 5. Writing a Research Proposal - Purpose and structure of a research proposal. 6. Descriptive Statistics - Summarizing and visualizing data sets; Exploring the relationships between variables. 8. Inferential Statistics - Hypothesis testing; Selected hypothesis tests.

Social Science of Physical Activity and Health (SPS204)

Key social issues in physical activity and health contexts. Module content: 1. Interdisciplinary nature of social sciences - Students will explore the ways in which various disciplines within social science help us to understand and explain issues relating to physical activity and health (e.g., sociology of sport, sociology of health and illness, epidemiology, sport development, sport history). 2. Critically engage with the notion of ‘healthy’ lifestyles - Students will question the construction of ‘healthy’ living. 3. Research topics within the social sciences - Students will make connections between the approaches/findings of physical activity and health research and how these inform debates around agency− structure. 4. Political Ideology and Social Inequalities - Students will question the ways in which health and physical activity participation are framed by political ideologies and consider how and why this influences social inequalities. 5. Qualitative methodologies - Students will be introduced to qualitative research and how it has developed our understanding of physical activity and health.

Work Placement - SPS303 (SPS303)

Continue to enhance your employability by developing relevant skills and knowledge. Evaluate your own strengths and weaknesses and identify a work placement that will allow you to continue to develop as a sport and exercise practitioner. Module content: 1. Career pathways - The student will be expected to reflect on their prospective career path, identifying strengths and limitations that can be addressed to enhance career progression 2. Understanding the prospective work environment and organisation - The student will identify appropriate organisations and opportunities for enhancing their own continued professional development. They will engage in the organisation of an appropriate work placement. This will be guided by staff but self−led to enhance the students’ abilities to find and apply for appropriate employment. 3. Work placement - The student will undergo an appropriate work placement, which aligns with their study programme. This placement will be within a prospective work environment, which enhances their ability to progress within their selected career pathway.

Business in Society (BMT306)

The challenges facing businesses in both their economic and social responsibilities. Students will develop skills to assess, analyse and evaluate the contribution of business and the third sector to social responsibility. Module content: 1. The changing context of business - The changing nature of organisations from industrial to post-industrial society; globalisation structures, processes and arguments. 2. Sustainable business practice - Corporate social responsibility and The Business and Society Relationship; Corporate Citizenship: Social Responsibility, Responsiveness, and Business Performance, 3. Employee well-being at work - Employees as stakeholders: issues relating to privacy, safety and employee well-being, 4. The role of third sector organisations - Social and economic exclusion and business; understanding the conditions of inequality and social exclusion; factors influencing social mobility, the social contribution of third sector organisations.

Coaching and Learning (SPS301)

The concepts of coaching and learning and their application to physical activity environments. Move beyond a reductionist view of coaching simply as a systematic procedure and consider the influence of the social aspects of coaching such as leadership, relationships, and social environments. Module content: 1. Coaching and learning - Students will consider the definition and purpose of coaching and learning. They will be asked to consider what is the purpose and definition of coaching, what it has to do with pedagogy and education. 2. The role of the coach - Students will be asked to consider the role of the coach, what their purpose is, and what they are trying to achieve. They will consider the level of participation, demands placed on coaches by external bodies, and coaches own philosophies towards the instruction of athletes. 3. The coaching process - Students will identify the key characteristics of coaching. They will consider a variety of leadership and relationship models and discuss how these fit into the idea of coaching as a systematic process. 4. Skill development - Students will examine the principles that underpin the creation on an efficient learning environment. They will consider modern theories of skill acquisition and how they relate to effective pedagogical. 5. Participant Groups - Students will consider different categorisations of participants and how this impacts on the planning and delivery of the coaching process.

Social Issues in Sport and Exercise (SPS313)

Contemporary issues in sport and exercise, particularly those you are likely to encounter and have to navigate in future employment. Module content: 1. Social theory - Students will learn key aspects of social theory that can be/ have been used to explain phenomena in sport and exercise. 2. Inequality and discrimination - Students will explore the main sources of inequality and discrimination in sport and exercise (e.g., gender, social class, ethnicity, LGBTI). 3. Sport and politics - Students will explore how various political systems/ ideologies and governing bodies use sport/athletes as a vehicle for social control. 4. Ethics and sport - Students will learn about moral and ethical issues in sport and exercise (e.g., child protection). Sport and exercise cultures provide a unique environment for moral and ethical issues.

Research Methods - SPS312 (SPS312)

Develop your ideas about research in sport, exercise, physical activity and health, to better understand and appreciate published research and carry out your own research project in your final year of study. Module content: 1. The research process Students will learn and engage in a research process by which they will come to understand the steps associated with planning and conducting a research process. 2. Formulating and refining research questions Students will learn how research ideas are questions are generated and refined. 3. Research methodologies Students will be exposed to various research methodologies (e.g., quantitative, qualitative and mixed−methods) in order to develop an appreciation of diverse approaches to research in sport, exercise, physical activity and health. 4. Ethical issues Students will develop an awareness of the key ethical issues associated with research in sport, exercise, physical activity and health. 5. Practical skill development Students will be given opportunities to develop their practical research skills in their chosen discipline area.

Live Management Project (BMT305)

This module is designed to increase student employability by demonstrating how the knowledge and skills they have developed during study can be applied to a real business problem. Other skills such as diplomacy and negotiation will be required when interacting with the business. Module Content: 1. Project briefing - Responsibilities of all parties involved; expectations of the module; requirements of professional conduct. 2. Managing your project - Using project management techniques to schedule and control your project. 3. Business Investigation - Research the client-defined project management issue, making effective use of current and professional literature and providing short to long term recommendations. 4. Client Management - Acting in a professional manner e.g. being diplomatic, utilising negotiation skills, understanding the needs of the company may be different from idealised situations described in literature. 5. Team working - How to work in a self-managing team; team expectations; peer review. 6. Project debriefing - Self-reflection. Structured debriefing focused on student's project learning, and on learning through experience.

The Future of Work (BMT303)

How the complexities, dynamics and uncertainties of the contemporary business environment impacts on the organisation of work and the contemporary employment relationship. Module content: 1. The future working context - The changing context of work, post bureaucratic society, Millennial, and high performance work contexts. 2. The new employment relationship and new forms of control - Flexible work and the precariat, the changing nature of capital - emotional and aesthetic labour; the psychological contract. 3. Conflict in the workplace - The changing nature of power and politics in organisational decision-making and management practice. The changing nature of contemporary employee relations; organisational misbehaviour and counter-productive work behaviours. 4. Human capital development - The learning organisation and organisational learning, technology mediated work processes, talent sourcing and human capability and knowledge management; career planning and development, rewards and recognition. 5. Outcomes - Learning from high performance organisations; Engaging employees, employee engagement and discretionary effort; building organisational resilience.

Managing Sport Policy and Development (SPS307)

An overview of sports policy and development in the UK that enable you to evaluate sports development planning and development. Module content: 1. Introduction to managing sport development - Outline of the courses content and overall rationale. 2. Sport, exercise and physical body culture - Sociological considerations. Making sense of sport in a sport development context. 3. UK Sport - Emergence of sports development; Historical perspectives; Overview of key rationales and values underpinning sport and physical activity. Development of sport or development through sport. 4. Sport and social policy issues - Health and well−being; Social welfare; Sports equality; Young people and education; Urban regeneration; Elite sport. 5. Ideologies underpinning sport - Political Ideologies and the emergence of the New Right and New Labour. Rationales for sport policy initiatives. Policy making process. Models of policy development, planning and implementation. 6. Structures and governance of sport - Structures and governance of sport in the UK context. 7. Strategic management and organisational theory - Strategic management and organisational theory. 8. Marketing and managing sports development - Marketing and managing sports development. 9. Monitoring and evaluation - Monitoring and evaluation.

Sport Research Project (SPS400)

Undertake an independent research project in a subject area that reflects your award title. Module content: 1. Research project topics - Students select their research project topics with staff. Each student is allocated a supervisory tutor within the Division. 2. Supervisory sessions - Supervisory sessions will cover the identification of a research question; necessary elements of research design; the approach needed to prepare for and complete the research project; a range of appropriate research methods; appropriate statistical analyses; the structure of the research report; the interpretation of the research results; possible or probable conclusions; and the writing of the report.

Practice-based Innovation (BMT404)

You undertake practical research in response to a current business need of a real company and produce a management report with recommendations. This develops advanced skills to support innovation and problem solving in real world business problems. Module content: 1. Analysing a problem - Using different analysis techniques such as data flow diagrams, entity relationship modelling and process mapping, examine problems to better understand the current position of the business. 2. Innovation and innovation techniques - Using different creativity and innovation tools to help find solutions to business problems. 3. Innovation for global growth (IGG) - During this event, students will work with multiple organisations - public, private and third sector, on a challenge they currently face. This will provide a scoping opportunity for the problem and a chance to test possible solutions. Prior to this event discussions on professional behaviour and communication will take place. 4. Developing and presenting the solution - Students will take the solutions identified during IGG and further investigate their suitability. They will work to develop one or more solution to provide an implementation plan for the organisation.

Sport for Development (SPS407)

The way sport can be used to address social issues, some of the problems with this approach, and how these issues can be overcome. Module content: 1. Community development - Introduce a community development approach to sport delivery. 2. Ideologies of sport for development - Explore the political ideologies associated with sport development work. 3. Community Practice - Understand the community practice approach to sporting provision. 4. Sport and urban regeneration - Explore the use of sport as a tool of urban development. 5. Sport for development and peace - Explore the use of sport as a tool of international development. 7. Sport, globalisation and development - Explore recent changes in societies and their implications for sport and development. 8. Sport, capitalism and inequality - Explore the links between sport, capitalism and inequality. 9. Liberating education and critical consciousness - Understand the notion of liberating education and how it can be applied to sport development work. 10. The politics of development - Explore the political nature of development work and the utility of social movements for development.

How the Course Works

Learning and Assessment

Learning is through a blend of lectures, small group seminars, activity based practicals and private study.

You’ll be expected to undertake an extended piece of individual research. In addition, you’ll be able to choose a number of optional modules, allowing you to follow personal interests in both management and sport-based areas.

You’ll spend around 18 hours per week attending classes. In addition, you’ll be required to undertake an average of 20 hours of private study a week.

You’ll also be expected to undertake work placements, which will help reinforce the important link between theory and practice.

The programme is assessed by a combination of examination and coursework. Some modules will involve both practical and work-based assessment.

The range of skills you acquire during the degree will help you develop a comprehensive understanding of the component disciplines of sport and management.

Employability attributes are developed through aspects of the programme such as the work placements, Personal Development Portfolios and the use of guest speakers from industry.

Sport students have to cover the cost of the PVG scheme in order to be able to work with children and vulnerable adults (cost £59 for a new application, £19 for renewal). You’ll also have to purchase Abertay branded sports kit for use in practical sessions and placements. The cost of the basic kit is £84.

English, Welsh & Northern Irish Students

£9,250

Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year.

Sport students have to cover the cost of the PVG scheme in order to be able to work with children and vulnerable adults (cost £59 for a new application, £19 for renewal). You’ll also have to purchase Abertay branded sports kit for use in practical sessions and placements. The cost of the basic kit is £84.

International Students

£14,000

Fees shown are payable annually and may be subject to increase each year.

Sport students have to cover the cost of the PVG scheme in order to be able to work with children and vulnerable adults (cost £59 for a new application, £19 for renewal). You’ll also have to purchase Abertay branded sports kit for use in practical sessions and placements. The cost of the basic kit is £84.

Scholarships

Rest of UK Abertay Scholarship - £2,300 per year for four years

This scholarship is intended to support students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland to study at Abertay. Scholarship is paid directly into your bank account in two instalments each year to support you with living and travel costs. No application necessary.

International Abertay Scholarship - £2,300 per year for four years

This scholarship is intended to support students from international countries (outside of the EU) to study at Abertay. Scholarship is paid directly into your bank account in two instalments each year to support you with living and travel costs. No application necessary.

In addition, we offer a range of corporate/philanthropic scholarships shown below, which are available to all students to support your studies with us.

Two £1,000 awards for students who have overcome challenges to attend university.

Careers

There’s a growing need for knowledgeable managers who understand both the sport and management skills required within sporting facilities and sports businesses.

It’s anticipated that a range of career possibilities will be available to you, including:

Activity co-ordinator

Sports agent

Community development

Sports development officer

Sport and leisure manager

Sports business manager

Management trainee

Sport event co-ordinator/manager

The transferrable skills gained will also enable you to take up graduate careers in organisations such as the police force, fire service, armed forces and teaching.

Entrepreneurial Brains Made on Campus (EBMC)

In association with Stuttgart Media University in Germany, students are tasked with identifying a social or economic challenge and finding a solution to this which they then present back to former students and industry professionals. The top teams are invited to Germany to participate in the final.

Unistats

Unistats collates comparable information in areas students have identified as important in making decisions about what and where to study. The core information it contains is called the Unistats dataset (formerly the Key Information Set (KIS)).

Business and Human Resource Management

Explore our Dundee Campus

Abertay is conveniently located on a city centre campus, with all of its buildings within a quarter of a mile of each other. Shops, recreational facilities and the main bus and train stations are a short walk aw

Why Abertay?

We're proud of our students and graduates, and we believe there's no better place to study if you're looking for a degree that helps you stand out as an exceptional candidate in an increasingly competitive job market.

Come to an Open Day

Living in Dundee

Dundee is a city of contrasts. It's vibrant and cosmopolitan, but also friendly, compact and affordable. The first UK city to be awarded UNESCO City of Design status, Dundee has a rich history of innovation and creativity, and, in recent years, has become a hub for the digital industries.